Much Ado About a Boy

Sweet Water High #9

by Jeanette Lewis

Only my worst enemy can save me now.

Quite frankly, my senior year at Sweet Water High has been kind of lame. Okay, I got the lead in the school musical, but then I got stood up on Homecoming by Bentley Nielsen, the boy of my dreams. Even after he broke my heart, I'm still crushing on him.

I know I should forgive and forget, but how can I when he's never even apologized?

My only hope of saving senior year is to win the state drama competition. But in order to win, I have to do a romantic Shakespeare scene with, you guessed it, Bentley Nielsen. How could this get any worse?

1 town. 1 high school. 12 sweet romances.
Read Much Ado About a Boy from Jeanette Lewis. It is the ninth installment of the Sweet Water High Multi-Author Series. Each book is a stand-alone but follows the school year chronologically.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, High School, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Second Chance

Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

Jeanette Lewis is a USA Today bestselling author of over 20 books. She's known for depth and detail, strong characters, and of course, plenty of sweet, swoony kissing scenes!

Dreaming up stories has always been one of Jeanette's favorite things. Other favorites include her family, good friends, crisp Autumn days, and having adventures.

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Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 Stars) This story plucked a few strings on my heart and I loved it from start to finish. Of course, with a drama student, there's bound to be drama, but the writing style is fun, the characters are fabulous, and the romance is heart crushing (in a good way, of course).

Bailey's had a rough senior year--she was stood up at homecoming by her crush, Bentley, and now has one chance to save her state drama competition dreams and they involve...none other than Bentley. Unfortunately, the heart wants what it wants and there's no telling it what to do.

I loved the photo texts that go back and forth between Bentley and Bailey, and the passionately intense interactions that resulted punched their way into my heart. Bentley should be on a demolition team because he was that good at knocking down Bailey's walls and made quick work of it, but cue the drama, because there is some and it's big and secretive.

This feel-good romance has all the feels and wit, plus a great chemistry that will force the reader to swoon a little. I love going back (in my mind) to these fun and flirty high school days and have loved every Sweet Water High romance so far!

Content: mild romance (kissing)

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good

https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...

There’s maybe not that many spoilers but probably just a little or A lot...

So okay; before I even knew what was going on with her Bailey and homecoming. I figure it had to be a reason why Bentley stood her up. But I kept thinking that maybe someone in his family died. But all along it was Krista, who he was there for, which I understood his reason; because she was going through something. But I still think he could’ve at least told her why or a reason why he couldn’t come... though he would’ve lied that would’ve been worse.

He was right; it wasn’t his place to tell her. It was Krista... Krista could’ve told her the truth; when she got comfortable with talking about it. Rather than having Bailey hate Bentley. The only reason she said anything was because of Bentley coming to her and telling her what Tasha has told Bailey. I think Krista could’ve told her, and Tasha wouldn’t have been mean to Bailey and try to make fun or ruin anything good that was going for her. She (Krista) just let it played out... until Bailey was mad.


But at least, in the end, their drama teacher talked with Bailey and told her to think about the performance. And also, Krista was talking to her about what was going on at the time of the homecoming. Because what she was going through is a rough and serious problem. Especially when things get tough, also, it’s was good that Bailey and Bentley had their talk afterward and did a well-done job on their performance and regionals and actually gotten together; completely. Because everyone; knew that looked cute together & they both had a thing for one another. I think that’s why Tasha was a hater. Plus, Bentley knew that the only way he would’ve gotten his girl back was to help her get into the competition by doing a duo... that came out good to because he got the girl even though all of Tasha crap... I think Tasha knew that both Bailey and Bentley were an item and right for each other that’s why she was hating and bitter.

Besides that, I want a story with Krista and a guy she liked. I’m not sure if the other two books coming next is about her if not... I want to want her, and I want to know her story.

[Zoewy_kimber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lost me at Fortnite, “our inside joke🤪” and anime girl. But still 3 stars lol

[Vibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) - positive message wrapped in swoony fun

This is a fun YA enemies-to-lovers. Bailey is self-centered & Bentley is a derp, but we've all had those moments or phases, and they're actually still pretty likeable people.

What I liked most about the story, though, was how the characters realize their mistakes and do their best to make up for & grow past them. It's not just enjoyable reading, it's also a message I want my teens to hear.

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey is into drama, and she's sure that she's a shoo-in for the regional monologue competition. But that didn't go as well as she planned so now her only chance for regionals is to do a duo with Bentley. The boy who broke her heart earlier in the school year when he stood her up for homecoming. She's an actress so surely she can act like nothing's wrong around him, right? Wrong! She's still mad at him, and to make it worse he won't explain why he didn't show up. He apologizes to her, but won't explain what happened. When she finds out part of the truth from the MGs (mean girls), she's sure she will never forgive Bentley. Thankfully, the full truth has a way of coming out.

A lot of the characters in this series don't tie in with each other (even though they all attend the same high school). I loved that Bailey and her two best friends, Harper and Summer, had stories where we were able to see them interact with each other.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining story

This was an easy, entertaining read. It was cute with the characters and a shorter, quicker, young adult story. I enjoyed it and it is a standalone within the series though you do get to see some characters from prior books. It didn’t blow me away or gave me super engaged with the characters but still really cute and easy to read and pass the time. It was lighthearted.

[Grace O'Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

I absolutely love this series. Every single book is always amazing! Much Ado About a Boy made you really think about life in a way when Krista talked about her hardships! A must read and a great book!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! 💜

Love, love, love!! ❤
Wow, and I do mean wow! This novel was excellent and thorough without becoming explicit! I love romantic novels and this one had a wonderful storyline to keep me entertained! Fabulous!

[Talamanaia Sao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet read about high school romance.

[abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

really cute! there was some “miscommunication” (that’s the best way i can explain it) but it was understandable as to why, so it wasn’t annoying (like it can be)

[Alana Bue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Ana adorable book. At first I was worried it was going to take the tone of the previous but it corrected quickly. So cute to watch it all unfold. Recommend for a quick easy feel good story.

[Srk001 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't expected her to forgive and forget that easily when she didn't even know why he'd stood her up. It was a bit abrupt.

[Dystopian Mayhem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t as good as usual, but not a bad story. Shakespeare was a nice touch, romance was leaning towards the physical side and a bit predictable.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey&Bentley
This was somehow a modern version of Benedict and Beatrice's relationship from Much Ado About Nothing. Bailey is in acting class and her dream is to become an actress and leave Sweet Water. But she blows her monologue audition and her only chance to compete is to do a duo with the gyu who stood her up on prom. And well... they are not on speaking terms. At the beginning she is strongly opposed to the idea - she hasn't talked to Bently since the misfortunate prom night. But ultimately she can't resist his charm and slowly they regain their friendship. But she is plagued by unsecurities and cannot become reconciled with the ananswered question: Why he stood her up? And unfortunately he doesn't want to tell; it's not his secret to tell. I wondered what could possibly be the answer and the author did a great job giving a truly valid reason for Bentley's actions. So this was a nice story. The only thing I had a problem with was the feeling that their relationship would not last beyond the end of the school year. Bailey was set on leaving and there seened to be no Bentley in her futurte. I know high scholl romances tend to be temporary, but still... a girl can hope :)
Narrative: 1st person, folloing Bailey
Religion: none
Sensuality: clean, only kisses

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun quick read. Bailey is a major theater diva. She’s been working for weeks on her Lady Macbeth monologue for regionals, but she doesn’t make the team. Her teacher offers her the chance to go to regionals doing a pairs comedy sketch. The only problem is that her partner will be Bentley Nielsen. The same Bentley who stood her up for Homecoming without saying a word.

There was major chemistry between Bailey and Bentley. I also loved seeing what they did for regionals with scenes from Much Ado About Nothing. The romance was cute. I couldn’t wait to unravel the mystery of what went wrong Homecoming night, and see Bailey and Bentley move past it.

I loved Bailey and her friends. They really supported each other in the good and bad times. They also aren’t afraid to call each other out on their attitudes.

Content: clean (some kissing)

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually all the into YA, BUT I’m a HUGE fan of Jeanette Lewis and the premise of Much Ado About a Boy was intriguing. Wow! From the first page, I was swept back into High School, right into Sweet Water. The characters grab you up and pull you along into the story. I enjoyed all of the references to old movies/plays/musicals, and, of course, Shakespeare! There are some excellent lessons that are learned in this book, great advice that I will take to heart-even though I am WELL past HS! The one that struck the deepest is choosing to end where you are NOW well. Make the choice to not have your current difficulty end badly, becoming a horrible memory forever. It is worth the struggle to not allow your emotions to run your life when you are hurting. This was a lovely story that is enjoyable for any age!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much Ado About a Boy is a well-written high school romance. I liked the characters, the close and supportive friends and family, the plot, the writing style, and the "dramatic" ending. My only concern was the secret that Bentley kept. I would hate for teens to think that was the best solution. (I won't go into any details because it's central to the plot.) Jeanette Lewis is an excellent author, and I plan to read more of her work. She is able to pull me into the story and make me feel right along with her characters. I was given an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this sweet romance.

[Lois Chilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much Ado About a Boy: A Sweet YA Romance ( Sweet Water High Book

Bentley & Bailey, are typical high school Seniors. They have Drama class together; to say Bailey is "into" drama is really an understatement of all understatements. To say Bailey is into Bailey, that too has a tendency To be all too true, as can be true of high school girls. Me Lewis does a good job helping us see high school Seniors for what they are, young Adults.

Sometimes a truth happening can cause a complete turnaround in a matter of minutes. A young lady sees truth for what it is; such was it so for Bailey, you'll have to read to find out why. It's a good read. Enjoy

[Candice Waite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drama for days

Bailey is a drama girl who dreams of making it to the big stage. Her dreams of a monologue in final competition of senior year are dashed when she does not make the list. Then her drama teacher offers her a chance to compete as a duo... Shakespeare's much ado about nothing, the catch? Pairing up with Bentley who stood her up at homecoming. As they spend time rehearsing feelings blossom, until she sees a picture of him with another girl on the night of homecoming... Just when you think all is lost, the truth comes out and hearts are mended. A cute read about learning to forgive and follow your heart.

[Tamera Westhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Teen Romance

Full of drama, because they’re doing “Much Ado About Nothing,” one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. She rocks the sarcasm and spite, until her friends help her heart soften. There had to be more though! Adding in poor Krista. I’m a whole lot sad that I don’t know if they made it to State or not!

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet YA romance. Bentley and Bailey were at the beginnings of a romance and were going to Homecoming together when Bentley stood Bailey up. The two are put together to present a duo at a competition. Will Bailey ever find out why Bentley stood her up and will she be able to forgive him? This was a quick and enjoyable read. I like Bailey and Bentley and the dynamics of this story.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice teen romance

Bailey is an actress, but when she finds out she has to do a scene with Bentley she is very angry. He stood he up for the homecoming dance and she has nothing to say to him.
It was a fun quick read with a definite high school feel.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read. I would have no issues letting my young teen read this.

[Maymay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good I Loved it